Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Update: Uncertainty Over Mendy’s Future, Bettinelli Contract Talks, and Slonina’s Arrival
There are reports that negotiations for a new contract between Edouard Mendy and Chelsea club chiefs have hit a roadblock, leaving the future of the Senegalese goalkeeper with the team uncertain. Mendy has resumed full training this week after recovering from a finger injury he sustained in January. Despite having a contract with Chelsea until 2025, Mendy’s position in the team has become uncertain after he lost favor with coach Graham Potter, and he may be leaving the club soon.
Based on reports from The Times, Edouard Mendy, who is 31 years old, has been in talks with Chelsea club chiefs regarding a new deal at Stamford Bridge. However, these discussions have not made much progress. The newspaper also claims that the club is prioritizing contract renewals for other players over Mendy’s, and they are nowhere near reaching an agreement for his contract extension.
Since Todd Boehly became the Chelsea owner last summer, he has been keen to prevent players from having less than two years remaining on their contracts, which is why he has started discussions with Mendy. The goalkeeper has had limited appearances under coach Graham Potter, with a shoulder injury and a finger injury restricting him to just five games.
Two years at Chelsea for Edouard Mendy 🧤@ChelseaFC || #UCL pic.twitter.com/mxebqqtZQb
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 24, 2022
During Edouard Mendy’s absence, Kepa Arrizabalaga has become Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper and has been enjoying a consistent run of starts since September. The Spaniard has kept eight clean sheets in 18 Premier League appearances this season and has impressed coach Graham Potter. In the meantime, Mendy, who was named the world’s best goalkeeper a year ago, had a remarkable start to his Chelsea career after moving from Rennes in 2020.
Chelsea has initiated discussions regarding the future of their third-choice goalkeeper, Marcus Bettinelli, whose contract expires at the end of this season. Furthermore, the club has strengthened its goalkeeping department by signing highly-rated young goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina from the United States. Slonina began full-time training with Chelsea in January and has already played three games for their under-21 team.
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